Eight Years of Progress: Broadening Participation in the Nursing Workforce

BACKGROUND: The Saint Louis University Nursing Workforce Diversity Initiative aimed to increase the enrollment, retention, and graduation of students from under-represented backgrounds by providing targeted support throughout their nursing education. METHOD: The Initiative implemented five evidence-based strategies: holistic admissions, internal and external institutional partnerships, academic support, mentoring, and financial assistance. RESULTS: These strategies fostered a supportive, culturally responsive academic environment, enabling students to succeed, as reflected in retention and graduation rates. CONCLUSION: By addressing longstanding barriers to nursing education, the program helps build a diverse and culturally aligned workforce capable of improving healthcare access and outcomes. Sustaining such initiatives is a moral and ethical imperative, ensuring that future nurses are prepared to deliver equitable, culturally responsive care. Program graduates are expected to work in underserved areas, providing culturally appropriate and responsive care to their communities.